SCHOOL pupils will be able to choose healthy treats at break-time following the opening of a new fruit tuck shop.

Moorside Primary School, Consett, launched the shop with the help of a £100 grant from Derwentside Primary Care Trust's Why 5? project team.

During the run-up to the opening of the shop, Why 5? team members were in school providing fun sessions for the children, showing them the benefits of eating fruit and vegetables, which included taster sessions.

Care trust co-ordinator Liz Moran said: "It is very important that we encourage young people to eat healthily, particularly fruit and vegetables.

"Eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day can help to significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers.

"This is why we are advising both adults and children to eat five or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day to help protect their health."

Ms Moran said the school's infants would also benefit from the National School Fruit scheme, which provides a piece of fruit free to all eligible children.

So far, all but two Derwentside schools have signed up to the National School Fruit Scheme.

Ms Moran said: "The school has already received strong support from parents, who responded to a questionnaire that was sent out before setting up the fruit tuck shop. I am sure that the shop will be a huge success."